Claudio D'Alba, CEO of Plantis Group, an Apulian company that exports fruit and vegetables with an extensive catalog covering 12 months of the year, describes how he's managed to enter several international markets in the 8 years since the company was founded.
"We are present in about 30 countries in total. This includes both European and non-EU countries. The Baltic and Scandinavian countries are our main markets, but we are also present in Poland, Serbia, Bosnia, the United Arab Emirates, Moldova, Romania, the Czech Republic, Iceland, Bulgaria and Slovakia. We have more than 70 active customers who order seasonal fruit and vegetables on a daily basis, of which 50 per cent are from the large-retail sector and the rest from the general market and other channels such as the horeca sector. Despite the ever-changing geopolitical and other critical issues, we closed the year 2023 with a +15 percent increase compared to the previous year."
The Plantis Group extensive catalogue includes parsley (smooth and curly), dill, Swiss chard, celery, lettuce (Romaine, Butterhead, Red and Lollo Blonde), fennel, radicchio, spring onions, broccoli and cauliflower, savoy cabbage and kohlrabi, as well as grapes, citrus, watermelon and stone fruit.
"All in all, the vegetable campaign is progressing on a positive note," the manager poin
ts out, "but it is worth noting that there has been a slowdown in the last few weeks, also linked to the farmers' strikes throughout Europe. Prices have always held up well, thanks to the high quality of the crop and a general reduction in the amount of land used in the various production areas. In addition, there has been a period of mild weather. To date, there have been no adverse weather events that have materially affected crops. Compared to the previous campaign, we can see that the prices quoted for certain vegetables increased by +15 to +20%."
"Although we have good business relationships in Germany, France and the Netherlands, the intention is to acquire new customers. We will use the Fruit Logistica fair in Berlin to meet buyers. It will also be a good opportunity for the planning of spring and summer deliveries with Scandinavian and Baltic operators".
Plantis Group will be exhibiting in Berlin in Hall 6.2 - Stand A-33.
For more information:
Plantis Group
Piazza Ebalia 1
74123 Taranto
Tel.: (+39) 99 4521842
Email: [email protected]
www.plantis.it